Providing information related to the posture mode of a user appplying pressure to a seat component

Abstract

A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component is provided. A sensor structure with array of sensors is connected with the seat component, with the sensors in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component. The output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and the processor provides output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION / CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application is related to and claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 939,025, filed May 18, 2007, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]A vast majority of the corporate world spends greater than six hours a day sitting at a desk. These employees can spend the greater part of their day sitting in positions of bad posture without even realizing it. By sitting in these positions for such long periods of time, they are inviting unwanted back problems. This could result in poor performance, decreased productivity, and ultimately absence from work.[0003]Although ergonomic products do exist, their passive nature leaves the user uncertain as to whether or not they are using the product correctly. An ergonomic chair, for example, may be perfectly built to correct one's posture while sitting. However, without proper instructions or feedback, the user will become unaware of the incorre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a sensor structure that can be pre-packaged and delivered to a user in a predetermined format. The sensor structure includes pressure pad sensors connected between flexible sheets in a predetermined pattern to form a preformed sensor array. The sensor structure can be effectively connected between a seat cushion and a support for the seat cushion in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of a false signal being applied to the sensor structure. The sensor structure can provide signals to a processor that are related to the predetermined pressure modes and can also sense various posture modes with a relatively sparse array of sensors. The user can be notified of their sitting position via a graphical desktop computer display, which can aid them in making necessary adjustments to ensure better posture. The invention helps to initiate corrective action and prevent unnecessary health problems.

Problems solved by technology

By sitting in these positions for such long periods of time, they are inviting unwanted back problems.

This could result in poor performance, decreased productivity, and ultimately absence from work.

Although ergonomic products do exist, their passive nature leaves the user uncertain as to whether or not they are using the product correctly.

However, without proper instructions or feedback, the user will become unaware of the incorrectness of their sitting position.

This unintentional indifference could cause the user to sit in a position that does not contribute towards good posture.

The ineffective use of the ergonomic chair could result in health problems among users, namely back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

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